Obituaries
• Mary Lou Amidon, 82, of Vernon, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Sept. 4, 2026, at her residence at Vernon Hall. Born Dec. 6, 1943, in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of John and Arlene Royce. Growing up, she was known as “Little John,” a reference to her always joining her father at fire scenes when he was a member of the Hinsdale Fire Department. Mary Lou will be interred above her father’s grave. She graduated from Hinsdale High School before earning an associate’s degree in business administration from the former Northampton (Mass.) Junior College. She worked her entire career at the former Vermont National Bank, beginning at its Canal Street location as a part-time teller and moving up to branch manager. She spent six years as assistant manager of the Main Street office; worked 11 years at the Putney Road Operations Center overseeing branches in multiple New England states; and ended her career as an assistant vice president. After her retirement, she worked at her daughter-in-law’s business, Green Mountain Diapers of Brattleboro, helping with bookkeeping and shipping. She was previously married to the late Arland R. “Skip” Amidon. Survivors include two sons, Douglas (Karen) Amidon and Robert (Kerry) Amidon; six grandchildren, Dr. Katherine (David) Paulin, Drew and Kimberly Amidon, and Daniel, David, and Jacob Amidon; and her feline companion, Merlot. She also leaves her longtime companion, Dan Jeffries of Brattleboro, with whom she enjoyed travel, fine dining, cosmos, and yearly meatloaf dinners accompanied by a bottle of Opus One. She was predeceased by her sister, Margaret Parenchuck, in 2025. Memorial information: Graveside services were held Sept. 23 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To offer condolences, visit phaneuf.net.
• Robert Edmund “Bob” Anderson Jr., 62, of Westminster. Died unexpectedly at home Sept. 11, 2026. He was born Nov. 15, 1963, in Burlington, the son of Jean Ward Anderson and Robert E. Anderson Sr. Bob attended St. Joseph’s School in Burlington and Burlington High School. Much of his early life was spent having adventures and misadventures in Burlington, but Bob especially looked forward to summers with his grandparents, aunts, and uncles in Charlestown, New Hampshire. He and his siblings spent their days fishing, boating, and enjoying delicious meals along the Connecticut River. Throughout his life, Bob could most often be found in the kitchen. For many years, he was a familiar face at Bove’s Restaurant, where he enjoyed building relationships with the staff and regulars. Later, Bob stepped away from the kitchen and began a career at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster. He took great pride in his role as a house parent to many of the children who attended there. He loved sharing his passion for the outdoors and could always find a way to put a smile on their faces. He would never admit it, but he had a significant impact on many kids’ lives. Bob recently returned to the kitchen at Kurn Hattin and could often be found in the school’s greenhouse, where he had built a tremendous garden. Whether he was cooking, gardening, or simply lending a helping hand, Bob found purpose in taking care of others. Bob enjoyed nothing more than being outdoors. He would take any opportunity to cast a line, whether at a local stream, on the Connecticut River, or Lake Champlain. When he wasn’t on the water, he could be found riding his four-wheeler with his pup, Scout, or walking through the woods. He was always up for an adventure, no matter the weather. Bob was known by everyone he met for his kindness, patience, humor, and unfailingly good nature traits he inherited from his mother, whom he adored. He touched the lives of countless people throughout his lifetime, no matter what role he played in theirs. Among the many hats he wore were son, brother, father, Poppy/grandfather, friend, teacher, coach, gardener, outdoor guide, comedian, mechanic, carpenter, and many more. He embraced each of these roles wholeheartedly. He is survived by his children, Kyle (Nikki), Elizabeth (Blake), William, and Sean; his mother, Jean; and his newest and greatest joys, his grandchildren, Nora, Brooke, and Bryce. He is also survived by his siblings, Karen Lansberry, Sue Fortier (Steve), Bruce (Susan), Patrick (Becky), and brother-in-law, Tim Kirol, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara, and brother-in-law, Dean Lansberry. Memorial information: A funeral Mass and celebration of life will be held in October. The family requests that you honor Bob with a donation to Kurn Hattin Homes, allowing his impact to continue, and to carry on his legacy by going fishing, being kind, helping someone., and putting a smile on someone’s face.
• Ronald Borges, 82, of Bellows Falls. Died Sept. 13, 2026, in Keene, New Hampshire, after a lengthy illness. Ron was born in Bellows Falls Sept. 18, 1943, the son of the late Frank and Lillian (Fenno) Borges. Ron was a proud alumnus of Bellows Falls High School, Class of 1962. Ron served in many roles in the alumni association, was a float builder, and was very active in each Alumni parade, even this past June. Ron served his country in the Army and returned home and worked several jobs including Kingsbury Machine, Symons Precision, and VT Graphics, and oversaw maintenance at St. Charles Church for many years. Ron cherished several dogs over the years and, as of late, could be seen walking his Dalmatian. Ron was a member of St. Charles Church and attended the First Congregational Church of Westminster. He was a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Ron leaves one sister and two nephews and many friends and neighbors. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held Sept. 22 at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls, followed by burial in St. Charles Cemetery. Donations to the Bellows Falls Alumni Fund, P.O. Box 172, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• Eileen F. Fahey, 82, of Townshend. Died Sept. 1, 2026. Born March 23, 1944, she grew up in Revere, Massachusetts. She lived in her home in Townshend since 1977. She was known as the lady in the house with the red candles in the windows. She retired in October 2014 after more than 20 years as a mortgage loan officer at 802 Credit Union. She enjoyed crocheting blankets for the Early Education Program in Brattleboro and the Grace Cottage Emergency Department. She spent as much time as possible in the summer in her garden. She was a trustee on the Townshend Historical Society Board, prior chair of Grace Hospital Fair Day, and was a former trustee of the Howard Fund. She was very involved in Restorative Justice Community Practice of Vermont. She is survived by her children and their spouses, James (Jacqueline) Malonson, Paul Malonson, MaryBeth (Randy) Overbaugh, and Sarah (Garth) Maxfield; her seven grandchildren: Amanda Garcia, Sam Malonson, Sophia Malonson (their mother, Jennifer), Jacob Maxfield, Luanna Malonson, Jamie Overbaugh and Danny Overbaugh; her sisters and brothers: Peggy Ladd, Ed Fahey, Joan Jacobs, Jim Fahey, Joe Fahey, Maryanne Hobbs and Kathy Sammartino; several nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predecased by her sister, Bonnie Lincoln and her brother, Michael Fahey. Memorial information: A potluck Celebration of Life will take place at Townshend Town Hall on Nov. 1, from noon to 4 p.m. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital at gracecottage.org/get-involved/ways-to-give.
• Jason Mank, 52, of Bellows Falls. Died unexpectedly Sept. 5, 2026. He was born in Camden, Maine, Feb. 20, 1974, the son of Frederick and Charlena (Whitehill) Mank. Jason grew up in Rockland, Maine, where he attended local schools. He graduated from high school in California, and worked for several years at Dave’s Restaurant, McDonald’s, and Shaw’s. Jason was an amateur comic book artist and a devoted science-fiction enthusiast. He found joy in spending time with his family, especially when his nephews visited him during their younger years. Music was also an important part of his daily life, and he loved listening to it whenever he could. Jason was predeceased by his father, Frederick Mank. He is survived by his mother, Charlena; his siblings, Robert Hunt and his wife, Janice, Stefan Hunt and his wife, Phuong, Frederick Mank Jr., and Tony Mank; and his nephews, Robert Hunt III and Ryan Hunt. Jason’s death leaves a lasting absence in the hearts of his family and all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his creativity, his interests, and the place he held in the lives of those closest to him. Memorial information: A celebration of life was held Sept. 19 at Renewed Life in Jesus Church in Chester.
• George Leon “Hurky” Martin, 92, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Sept. 16, 2026, at Thompson House. He was born in Brattleboro on Aug. 7, 1934, the son of George and Helen (Evans) Martin. He attended Academy School and graduated from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1952. Following high school, he served in the Vermont National Guard. George worked at the former American Stratford Company for a number of years and later, in 1965, established Wayside Fences on Marlboro Road in West Brattleboro. He worked up until the age of 90; the company is still in operation run by the Martin family. As a man of faith, he was a longtime member of First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro, where he had served as a deacon for many years. He enjoyed all activities connected with the church, including the annual sugar on snow suppers, chicken barbeques, and the Christmas bazaar, to which he donated a handmade Adirondack chair and other woodworking gift items. He especially enjoyed building log furniture and working with rustic wood. Christmas was one of his favorite holidays and he always looked forward to making the evergreen roping that hung along his home’s picture window overlooking Marlboro Road. George was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and his time in his flower and vegetable gardens; he, with the help of his wife, canned and pickled their bounty every season. The Martins were known for their delicious relish. Additionally, he enjoyed square dancing; he was a member of the former Green Mountain Squares, a square dance club in Brattleboro, with his wife, Jeanne. On July 8, 1961, in St. Albans, Maine, he married Jeanne Anne Crocker. His faithful and devoted wife of nearly 65 years predeceased him May 3, 2026. Survivors include two sons, Edward and wife, Carrie, of Putney and Jeffrey and wife, Deborah, of Brattleboro; his grandchildren, Christopher Martin and wife, Linda, Adam Martin and wife, Liz, Evan Martin and wife, Casey, Stephanie Martin, and Lindsay Cotrel and husband, Scott; and six great-grandsons. Additionally, he leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to George’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he also held a close grandfather role to Arjeta Rushiti of Macedonia. George was predeceased by one brother, Henry Martin, and a sister, Grace Bailey. Memorial information: Services will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church. Friends are invited to a calling hour at the church starting at 10 a.m. until the start of the service. A reception with light refreshments will follow the service to be held in the fireplace room at the church. Both George and Jeanne will be laid to rest in the Martin family lot in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery. Donations to The Joseph P. Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 2389, West Brattleboro, VT 05303. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com .
• Barbara Anita Sears, 87, of Hastings Circle in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Died Sept. 6, 2026, at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Barbara was born in Montclair, New Jersey, Dec. 28, 1938, the daughter of Theodore and Theresa (Cronin) Benedict. She was raised and educated in Montclair, later moving to Dummerston with her family. She graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1958. She went on to attend Castleton Teachers College with a major in early childhood education. For several years, Barbara was an early childhood educator, working at locations in Brattleboro and Hinsdale. She later worked as a sales associate at the Brattleboro Agway Store on Putney Road. A woman of faith, Barbara attended West Brattleboro Baptist Church and was a member of the Rosettes, Brattleboro Chapter #4482 of the Red Hat Society. Barbara enjoyed gardening, loved small animals, and feeding the wildlife in her back yard, enjoyed traveling and made a memorable trip with her husband and eldest son cross-country in 1991. Additionally, she enjoyed reading and artwork, and developed a strong interest in watching professional golf tournaments. On June 26, 1960, at All Souls Church on Main Street in Brattleboro, she was married to Noel L. Sears. Her faithful and devoted husband of 64 years predeceased her on Sept. 30, 2024. Barbara leaves her two sons, Gregory D. Sears of Hinsdale and James F. Sears of Rising Sun, Maryland, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Tammy Leigh Sears who died in childhood (1965), and a brother, Robert Benedict. Memorial information: Graveside committal services for both Barbara and her husband, Noel, will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. in the Sears family lot in Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), 215 N. Main Street, White River Jct., VT 05009. To offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com .
• Thomas “TT” Tifft of Londonderry died at his home Sept. 15, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS. A lifelong Vermonter, he was a graduate of Chester High School, Class of 1968. Tom spent his life deeply rooted in the community he called home. An exceptional builder and craftsman, Tom began his career in his early 20s and went on to design and build more than 200 structures throughout the area. His work ranged from man caves, she-sheds, and garages with living quarters to family homes, vacation and mountain homes of every scale — including a remarkable 13,000-square-foot estate in Manchester. His craftsmanship and hard work left a lasting mark throughout southern Vermont. Tom also gave back to his hometown, serving for nine years on the Londonderry Planning Commission. He was well known and respected throughout the community. When he wasn’t building, Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time at camp, where he loved checking his many game cameras and keeping tabs on the wildlife around him. Tom also dearly loved his restored 1954 Chevy pickup, which he proudly drove in parades and car shows. He enjoyed camping trips from Maine to Florida, as well as traveling farther from home, including memorable trips to London, Paris and several islands. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Alice Tifft, and his eldest daughter, Molly Tifft. He is survived by his wife, Doni; daughter, Megan; stepdaughter, Andrea Conrad; son-in-law, Peter Conrad; grandson, Pierce; granddaughter, Payton; as well as extended family and cousins. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the many wonderful people who offered their care, kindness and support throughout this very difficult time. Memorial information: In lieu of flowers or food, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Londonderry Rescue Squad, Route 100, Londonderry, VT 05148.
Services
• A memorial service to honor the life of Peter L. Root will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon at Grace Community Church, 49 Old Swanzey Rd., Spofford, New Hampshire. Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to gather from noon to 2 p.m. for a light lunch and a celebration of life at the same location. Burial services will be private. Mr. Root passed away peacefully Aug. 31, 2026. To see Peter’s full obituary and to offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• A memorial gathering to celebrate and remember the life of June V. Howe will be held at American Legion Post 5 in Brattleboro Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. Mrs. Howe, of Old Ferry Road in Dummerston, died on Jan. 11, 2024. To see her full obituary, visit atamaniuk.com.
• A celebration of life for Raphael “Mike” Corbeil will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 with a funeral Mass at St. Michael’s Church, 47 Walnut Street, followed by a reception at Bella Notte Restaurant at the Brattleboro Country Club. Mike, aged 97, died on May 9, 2026, at Vernon Green Nursing Home. To see his full obituary and to offer condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
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